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The world’s top luxury auto makers will expand their output in 2011 to deal with record demand for their vehicles, particularly in China and the US.

Audi said it would increase production of its cars and SUVS to more than the 1.15-million it built in 2010.

Similarly, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz are planning to expand some of their plants and up production to ease constraints as Germany’s luxury brands benefit from increased deliveries to the US and China.

According to Bloomberg, Audi said on January 19, 2011, that it would roll out 13 new and upgraded models this year, including the new A6 and Q3 SUV.

BMW forecasts record sales for its BMW, Mini and Roll-Royce products in 2011.

SA-BUILT BMWs

The company recently completed a major expansion programme at its Spartanburg, US, plant, where all X products are built, to create capacity for the revised X3 model.

Company spokesman Daniel Kammerer told the news agency the Munich-based company was expanding capacity in China, India and South Africa (where the 3 Series is built for local and export markets).

Not to be outdone, Daimler is investing heavily in expanding its factories to accommodate the new B-Class and SLK due in 2011.

Daimler chief executive officer Dieter Zetsche said recently at the Detroit auto show that deliveries in 2011 would be “defined by production capabilities rather than demand”. Mercedes’, too, expects record sales in 2011.

The company will also invest in expanding assembly, body shop and paint shop facilities at a number of factories in Europe and the US.

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